Bridging the Gap: Future-Proofing Ageing Infrastructure

Bridging the Gap: Future-Proofing Ageing Infrastructure

Much of the UK’s infrastructure is ageing and yet it remains fundamental to how society functions. From the moment we turn on the lights or run a tap, to travelling by road or rail, we rely on assets that were often built decades, even centuries, ago. At the same time, budgets are constrained, climate pressures are intensifying and public expectations continue to rise. So how do we make sure the infrastructure we already have continues to perform safely, reliably and sustainably, long into the future? In this episode of WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast, host Lucy Siegle explores what it really takes to manage ageing infrastructure in a changing world. She is joined by Steve Denton, Managing Director of WSP’s Civil Engineering Unit and Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Professor Andrew McNaughton, Chair of Network Rail High Speed Limited, for a wide‑ranging and thoughtful conversation. Together, they unpack why ageing infrastructure has become such a pressing issue, why asset management is ultimately about decision‑making rather than just maintenance, and how uncertainty plays a central role when dealing with long‑life assets. They reflect on the reality that almost everything we depend on today will still need to be working decades from now — and that rebuilding everything simply isn’t an option. With practical insights, real‑world examples and honest reflections from decades of experience, this episode is a must‑listen for anyone interested in the future of infrastructure, decarbonisation, resilience and how we make the most of what we already have. Find out more:    Reviving our ageing infrastructure report - https://nepc.raeng.org.uk/reviving-ageing-infrastructure/ [https://nepc.raeng.org.uk/reviving-ageing-infrastructure/]

From Vision to Reality: The Art of Delivering Major Infrastructure

This episode of Positive Impact dives into the challenges of delivering major infrastructure projects. From railways to nuclear power plants, and energy upgrades to new reservoirs, infrastructure is designed to boost economic growth and deliver benefits to the lives of communities.  Host Lucy Siegle is joined by Matt Steele, Chief Operating Officer at National Gas, and Kerry Bangle, Major Projects Director at WSP, to discuss how complexity, funding pressures and growing community expectations have all created a complex infrastructure delivery landscape.  They explore the need for certainty in planning and execution, the growing interconnectedness of projects and the importance of authentic engagement with communities, while stressing the value of upfront scoping to reduce risk and cost.  Both our guests call for better storytelling to attract talent into the industry and build trust in our projects and those delivering them. The conversation also touches on skills development and creating positive legacies through local employment and education.

The Climate Cake: Blending Action, Resilience, and Nature

In this energising episode of WSP’s *Positive Impact* podcast, our host Lucy Siegle explores the “triple challenge” of climate action: mitigation, adaptation, and restoration, asking how we can prevent the worst impacts of climate change, prepare for the ones already happening and restore nature in the process. She’s joined by David Riley, Head of Carbon and Climate Adaptation at Anglian Water, who shares his journey from carbon sceptic to climate strategist, revealing how data-driven decisions, supplier engagement, and low-carbon materials are transforming water infrastructure. Alongside him, Rachel Skinner, WSP’s Executive Director for UK Government Relations and Corporate Responsibility, brings clarity to the conversation, challenging the misuse of climate buzzwords and advocating for cross-sector collaboration across buildings, transport, water, energy, waste and digital infrastructure.  Together, they unpack why clear definitions matter more than jargon, how government support can feel like a rollercoaster and why the same actions that reduce carbon also cut costs and build long-term value. With practical insights, real-world examples, and honest reflections on what’s working - and what’s not -, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the ideas, frameworks, and voices shaping a smarter, greener future. Find out more:    Positive Impact podcast homepage - Positive Impact podcast: Future Ready ideas for a better tomorrow | WSP [https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/insights/positive-impact-podcast]

Charging Ahead: The Skills Driving the Great Grid Upgrade

In this episode of WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast, host Lucy Siegle is joined by Malcolm Lewis, Cost & Commercial Director for the Great Grid Upgrade at National Grid, and Kirsten Oliver, Managing Director for Energy at WSP, to discuss the people powering the UK’s largest electricity grid overhaul in generations. Together, they explore the scale and urgency of the Great Grid Upgrade, a nationwide programme designed to connect new sources of clean energy, such as wind and solar, to homes and businesses across the country.    The conversation highlights the critical need to train, attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce to deliver this ambitious energy transition, emphasising that the future of the sector depends on a wide range of skills, from engineering and digital expertise to project management and environmental planning. The guests stress the importance of making careers in energy infrastructure accessible to people from all backgrounds, not just those with traditional degrees and discuss how collaboration between industry, government and education is essential for building a future-ready workforce.  Ultimately, the episode is a call to action for curiosity, inclusivity and collective effort, showing how flexible career pathways and a focus on people are key to powering the UK’s clean energy future.

Unlocking Nature Markets : Local Strategies for Environmental Transformation

In this episode of WSP’s Positive Impact podcast series, BBC1 reporter and presenter Lucy Siegle explores the transformative power of Nature Finance, a concept that is redefining how we approach environmental restoration and economic regeneration. The episode highlights how Yorkshire is becoming a living laboratory for innovative, finance-driven environmental solutions.  Lucy is joined by leading voices in sustainability and landscape strategy: Ludo Pity, Director of Landscape Advisory at WSP; Ed Dick, CEO and Co-founder of Great Yellow; and Shaun Berry, Head of Environment and Sustainability at North Yorkshire Council. Together, they delve into the practical applications of Nature Finance, examining how targeted investment in natural capital such as peatlands, woodlands, and biodiversity can unlock local economic opportunities while tackling climate and ecological challenges.  Listeners will get a clear understanding of what Nature Finance entails and why it’s gaining traction. The episode showcases Yorkshire’s pioneering efforts in landscape-scale restoration, the critical role of public-private partnerships in funding nature-based solutions, and real-world examples of nature finance delivering tangible community benefits.  Whether you're a policymaker, investor, sustainability professional, or simply curious about the future of nature markets, this episode offers an engaging and accessible look at how financial innovation and ecological stewardship can come together to build a better world.  “Yorkshire is showing the world how restoring landscapes can also revive communities and economies.” Find out more:  1. Local Investment in Natural Capital > Mayoral Combined Authority [https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/local-investment-in-natural-capital/] 2. Final Report - The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review - GOV.UK  [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-the-economics-of-biodiversity-the-dasgupta-review] Disclosure  The WSP’s Positive Impact podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for independent, tailored professional advice. The podcast does not constitute, nor should it be construed as, a financial inducement, incentive, or recommendation to act in any way. No financial or other benefit is offered or implied in connection with its content. No reliance may be placed on the content of this podcast and listeners will need to seek independent professional advice tailored to their specific needs. The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, nor WSP and its affiliates.  Insofar as the content of this podcast was created by WSP, WSP retains all intellectual property rights and asserts all moral rights in relation to this podcast and its content (including enclosures and attachments). Unless WSP has provided express prior written consent, no part of this podcast may be used, published, reproduced, distributed, or communicated by or to any third party. WSP accepts no liability in respect of the content of this podcast nor as to its suitability for any specific use (including by any third party).  Great Yellow Limited is an Appointed Representative of Infinity Asset Management LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.